Famous '90s actresses, then and now

All your favorite female TV and movie stars from two decades ago

By By VANESSA HO and SHANNON FEARS

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Trip back to the '90s with the decade's most iconic actresses, when Julia Roberts was in "Pretty Woman," Thelma was an outlaw, and Buffy, Ally, Scully -- and of course Rachel and Monica -- dominated TV.

We start with Cameron Diaz, who was a great sport in this scene from "There's Something About Mary" in 1998. less

Trip back to the '90s with the decade's most iconic actresses, when Julia Roberts was in "Pretty Woman," Thelma was an outlaw, and Buffy, Ally, Scully -- and of course Rachel and Monica -- dominated TV.

Bridget Fonda was an "it" actress for a while in the '90s. Then she disappeared from the screen.

Bridget Fonda was an "it" actress for a while in the '90s. Then she disappeared from the screen.

Photo: Victor Malafronte, Getty Images

Bridget Fonda was an "it" actress for a while in the... Photo-3985368.54709 - StamfordAdvocate

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In fact, she's pretty much disappeared from public view. Here, she arrives at the Los Angeles premiere of "Inglourious Basterds" held at the Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood on Aug. 10, 2009 -- more than four years ago. She's now 51. less

In fact, she's pretty much disappeared from public view. Here, she arrives at the Los Angeles premiere of "Inglourious Basterds" held at the Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood on Aug. 10, 2009 -- more than ... more

Photo: Gregg DeGuire, Gregg DeGuire/PictureGroup

In fact, she's pretty much disappeared from public view. Here,... Photo-7588580.54709 - StamfordAdvocate

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Here's Lucy Lawless, 46, at the opening night of a play on Dec. 11, 2014 in Pasadena, Calif.

Here's Lucy Lawless, 46, at the opening night of a play on Dec. 11, 2014 in Pasadena, Calif.

Photo: Earl Gibson III, WireImage

Here's Lucy Lawless, 46, at the opening night of a play on... Photo-7588592.54709 - StamfordAdvocate

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And here's Renee O'Connor, 44, at a book party and benefit on Dec. 12, 2013 in Los Angeles.

And here's Renee O'Connor, 44, at a book party and benefit on Dec. 12, 2013 in Los Angeles.

Photo: Albert L. Ortega, Getty Images

And here's Renee O'Connor, 44, at a book party and... Photo-7588586.54709 - StamfordAdvocate

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After "Pretty Woman" hit theaters in 1990, "Thelma & Louise" came out a year later, as another hit with big roles for actresses. It made movie stars out of Susan Sarandon (left) and Geena Davis.

After "Pretty Woman" hit theaters in 1990, "Thelma & Louise" came out a year later, as another hit with big roles for actresses. It made movie stars out of Susan Sarandon (left) and Geena Davis.

Ellen DeGeneres (left) came out as a lesbian on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" in 1997, a big moment followed by her character's coming out in the sitcom "Ellen." Some affiliates refused to air the episode, which starred Laura Dern (right), saying it was "inappropriate" for family viewing. less

Ellen DeGeneres (left) came out as a lesbian on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" in 1997, a big moment followed by her character's coming out in the sitcom "Ellen." Some affiliates refused to air the episode, which ... more

Photo: MIKE ANSELL, Associated Press

Ellen DeGeneres (left) came out as a lesbian on "The Oprah... Photo-3985397.54709 - StamfordAdvocate

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Eighteen years later, Ellen DeGeneres, 57, lives in a world more accepting of her sexual orientation. Here, she's enjoying herself on The Tonight Show on Feb. 3, 2015.

Eighteen years later, Ellen DeGeneres, 57, lives in a world more accepting of her sexual orientation. Here, she's enjoying herself on The Tonight Show on Feb. 3, 2015.

Laura Dern was also pretty iconic in the '90s, before going through a period of relative obscurity. She's pictured as "Dr. Ellie Sattler" in "Jurassic Park" (1993).

Laura Dern was also pretty iconic in the '90s, before going through a period of relative obscurity. She's pictured as "Dr. Ellie Sattler" in "Jurassic Park" (1993).

Photo: Murray Close, Getty Images

Laura Dern was also pretty iconic in the '90s, before going... Photo-3985401.54709 - StamfordAdvocate

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Laura Dern, 48, arrives at the Academy Awards on Feb. 22, 2015 in Los Angeles. Since the '90s she has won a pair of Golden Globes, received two Emmy nominations and just received an Oscar nomination for "Wild."

Laura Dern, 48, arrives at the Academy Awards on Feb. 22, 2015 in Los Angeles. Since the '90s she has won a pair of Golden Globes, received two Emmy nominations and just received an Oscar nomination for "Wild."